Doula FAQs
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What’s my birth philosophy?
Birth and pregnancy are normal events in women’s lives that have incredible power to transform us into mothers, fathers, partners, siblings and families of many different shapes and sizes. Pregnancy massage, labor massage, postpartum massage and doula support services aid expectant mothers and families in this process of listening to their inner knowing, being in the moment, and trusting their body’s innate wisdom to do what it is designed to do.
What is a doula?
Doulas / Labor Assistants give emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner, suggest comfort measures, assist with providing information for informed decisions and remind clients of their wishes as expressed in their birth plan by encouraging client to speak for herself.
Why chose a doula/massage therapist?
As a doula who is also massage therapist I include advanced massage techniques to ease the physical demands placed on your body in a more specific way than a doula not trained in massage.
How can a doula benefit me and my partner?
Having a doula can make a difference.
* Shorter labor
* Reduced rate of cesarean birth
* Reduced rate of epidural analgesia
* Reduced rate of pain medications
* Reduced rate of forceps or vacuum assisted birth
* Increased rate of satisfying or positive childbirth experience
*The Doula Book, Marshall H. Klaus, M.D., John H. Kennell, M.D., and Phyllis H. Klaus, C.S.W., M.F.T
Will a doula take the place of my partner?
No, a doula allows the partner to be there for the mom, fills in the gaps, takes pressure off the partner to know what to do next, provides a wealth of experience and information, and empowers the parents to make their own decisions.
When should we call you?
As soon as you think you might be in labor, please call me and drink a glass of water. It's o.k. if it turns out to be braxton hicks and you call me several times before labor starts. The tendency of many folks is to wait to call their doula as long as they can. Our talking early in labor will enable me to provide support over the phone and for you to hopefuly stay at home longer. If you feel menstrually or any other signs of possible labor, please call me and drink a glass of water.
Why is hydrating so important?
Being dehydrated can make the uterus's contractions less effective. Many times drinking a glass of water and a position change will cause braxton hicks contractions (the body's practice contractions) to go away. Thinking you're in active labor when you're actually in an earlier stage which may or may not develop into active labor can rev you up and make it hard to continue your normal activities.
